Can't teach kids who refuse to want to learn

Yes, I’m a retired high school history teacher. I taught for 33 years. I’m going to answer some of the stupid ideas put forward by Vincent Grasso in the letter “Make teachers pay if students fail” in the May 13 edition.

First and last, let me say it is impossible to teach someone who refuses to be taught!

I have seen hundreds of students fail because they refuse to be taught. Let me give you a true example:

One student in a class of mine would not answer any of the questions asked of him because he did not study the assignment. He would not do any of his homework. He would not even put his name on the test paper, let alone answer any of the questions. His parents refused to discuss his progress or lack of work in class. Naturally, he failed my class.

Now, according to Grasso, I should have had money taken from my salary because this student failed my class.

Nowhere did Grasso put the blame where it should be, on the student and his parents.

The school where I taught sent home three reports and a final report card every semester. In between, the teachers sent to each parent a mid-term report on the student. Also, anytime a student’s grades dropped or problems arose, the teacher was required to call the parents and report this.

We also had two nights and one day where teachers were required to be at school for parent conferences. This was in addition to being available to any parent, day or night, who could not make the conference about their child.

I would like to add that teachers are not free to teach what they want. Teachers are mandated by law to teach the curriculum put forth and approved by the state.

It would be a great help if Grasso put the blame where it belongs — on the student and parents. If he wants to fine someone, try the parents. They are the ones responsible for their children’s welfare!